JPWO2019065711A1 - Atomizing oscillator, atomizing unit, atomizing device and driving method of atomizing device - Google Patents

Abstract

It is an object of the present invention to provide an atomizing oscillator, an atomizing unit, an atomizing device, and a driving method of the atomizing device, which can realize suitable atomization according to the liquid level of the liquid storage tank. In order to achieve this object, the atomizing vibrator 10 of the present invention comprises a plate-shaped piezoelectric vibrator 11 and electrodes provided on one surface 11b and the other surface 11a of the piezoelectric vibrator 11. An electrode provided on one surface 11b surrounds the center electrode 21 arranged in the central portion of the piezoelectric vibrator 11 and the outer periphery of the center electrode 21, and is electrically separated from the center electrode 21. It is provided with an annular outer peripheral electrode 22.

Description

The present invention provides an atomizing vibrator that atomizes a liquid for atomization by applying ultrasonic vibration, an atomizing unit provided with the atomizing vibrator, an atomizing device provided with the atomizing unit, and atomization. Regarding the driving method of the device. In particular, the present invention relates to an atomizing oscillator suitable for installation in a liquid storage tank in which the water level (liquid level) of the atomizing liquid drops with atomization.

Conventionally, an ultrasonic vibration method has been adopted as a method for atomizing a liquid. In the atomizer that adopts the ultrasonic vibration method, an ultrasonic transducer is installed at the bottom of the liquid storage tank that stores the atomizing liquid. When a high-frequency voltage is applied to this ultrasonic vibrator, the atomizing liquid in the liquid storage tank is atomized by high-frequency vibration. The finely divided liquid is sent out as mist by a blower fan or the like. Such an atomizer has been put into practical use as a humidifier, for example.

In the atomizing device adopting the ultrasonic vibration method described above, the amount of atomization changes depending on the distance from the ultrasonic transducer to the liquid level of the liquid storage tank, that is, the liquid level of the liquid level for atomization. In this case, in order to maintain the liquid level (liquid level) of the liquid storage tank near the peak of the amount of atomization, a replenishment tank that supplies the amount of atomizing liquid consumed as mist to the liquid storage tank. Is required. For example, there is a mist generator disclosed in Patent Document 1 as the atomizing device.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 05-208151

However, the atomizer described in Patent Document 1 requires a refill tank in addition to the liquid storage tank, which complicates the overall configuration of the atomizer and limits the degree of freedom in shape (design) design. was there. On the other hand, if the replenishment tank is abolished, the liquid level in the liquid storage tank cannot be maintained at the height at which the atomization amount peaks due to the consumption of the atomizing liquid, and the atomization amount changes greatly depending on the liquid level in the liquid storage tank. There was such a problem.

Therefore, the present invention solves such a conventional problem, and an atomizing oscillator capable of realizing suitable atomization according to the liquid level of the liquid storage tank and abolishing the replenishment tank. It is an object of the present invention to provide an atomizing unit provided with an atomizing oscillator, an atomizing device provided with the atomizing unit, and a method for driving the atomizing device.

The atomizing vibrator according to the first invention is a atomizing vibrator including a plate-shaped piezoelectric vibrator and electrodes provided on one surface and the other surface of the piezoelectric vibrator. The electrode provided on the one surface of the piezoelectric vibrator surrounds the center electrode arranged in the central portion of the piezoelectric vibrator and the outer periphery of the center electrode, and electrically with the center electrode. It is characterized by having an annular outer peripheral electrode arranged separately.

The atomizing oscillator according to the second invention is characterized in that the outer peripheral electrode is electrically separated into at least two or more annular electrodes via an annular gap.

The atomizing vibrator according to the third invention includes a disc-shaped piezoelectric vibrator and circular electrodes provided on one surface and the other surface of the piezoelectric vibrator. An electrode provided on one surface of the piezoelectric vibrator, which is an oscillator for use, is concentric with the center electrode arranged in the central portion of the piezoelectric vibrator and electrically. It is characterized in that it is provided with an annular outer peripheral electrode separately arranged in the.

In the atomizing vibrator according to the fourth invention, the outer peripheral electrodes are electrically separated into at least two or more annular electrodes via concentric annular gaps. It is characterized by that.

The atomizing oscillator according to the fifth invention is an atomizing oscillator including a plate-shaped piezoelectric vibrator and electrodes provided on one surface and the other surface of the piezoelectric vibrator. The electrodes provided on the one surface of the piezoelectric vibrator are arranged eccentrically with respect to the center in the one surface of the piezoelectric vibrator, and the outer periphery of the center electrode. It is characterized by having an annular outer peripheral electrode that surrounds and is electrically separated from the center electrode.

The atomizing vibrator according to the sixth invention is characterized in that the piezoelectric vibrator in the fifth invention has a disk shape.

In the atomizing oscillator according to the seventh invention, the outer peripheral electrodes are electrically separated into at least two or more electrodes that sequentially surround the outer periphery of the center electrode in a layered manner through a gap. It is characterized by.

The atomization unit according to the eighth invention includes an atomization oscillator according to any one of the first, third, fifth or sixth inventions, and a drive unit for driving the atomization oscillator. The drive unit turns on / off the switch unit based on an output signal from a switch unit that turns on / off the energization of the outer peripheral electrode and a liquid level detecting means that detects the liquid level of the liquid storage tank. It is characterized by having a control unit for switching.

The atomization unit according to the ninth invention includes the atomization transducer according to any one of the second, fourth or seventh inventions, and a drive unit for driving the atomization transducer. The unit is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of outer peripheral electrodes, and is an output from a switch unit for turning on / off the energization of the corresponding outer peripheral electrodes and a liquid level detecting means for detecting the liquid level of the liquid storage tank. It is characterized by including a control unit for switching ON / OFF of the switch unit based on a signal.

The atomizing device according to the tenth invention includes an atomizing unit according to the eighth invention, a liquid storage tank for storing the atomizing liquid, and a liquid level detecting means for detecting the liquid level of the liquid storage tank. In the provided atomizing device, the atomizing transducer is installed at the bottom of the liquid storage tank, and the control unit determines the liquid level of the liquid storage tank based on an output signal from the liquid level detecting means. Is characterized by switching the switch unit from ON to OFF when the value drops to a predetermined value.

The atomizing device according to the eleventh invention includes an atomizing unit according to the ninth invention, a liquid storage tank for storing the atomizing liquid, and a liquid level detecting means for detecting the liquid level of the liquid storage tank. In the provided atomizing device, the atomizing transducer is installed at the bottom of the liquid storage tank, and the control unit determines the liquid level of the liquid storage tank based on an output signal from the liquid level detecting means. The outer peripheral electrode whose switch portion is switched from ON to OFF is gradually increased toward the central portion as the value decreases.

The method for driving the atomizing device according to the twelfth invention is that the atomizing oscillator according to any one of the first, third, fifth or sixth inventions is a liquid storage tank for storing the atomizing liquid. It is a method of driving an atomizing device installed at the bottom, and is characterized in that when the liquid level of the liquid storage tank drops to a predetermined value, the energization of the outer peripheral electrode is stopped.

In the method for driving the atomizing device according to the thirteenth invention, the atomizing oscillator according to any one of the second, fourth or seventh inventions is installed at the bottom of a liquid storage tank for storing the atomizing liquid. The method for driving the atomizing device is characterized in that as the liquid level of the liquid storage tank decreases, the outer peripheral electrodes at which energization is stopped are gradually increased toward the central portion.

According to the atomizing vibrator of the present invention, when the liquid level of the liquid storage tank is at a high liquid level, both the center electrode and the outer peripheral electrode are energized to perform atomization according to the high liquid level. When the liquid level in the liquid storage tank drops due to the consumption of the atomizing liquid, energization of the outer peripheral electrode is stopped and only the center electrode is energized, so that atomization can be performed according to the low liquid level. Therefore, even if the liquid level in the liquid storage tank drops, suitable atomization can be realized, so that stable atomization can be realized without requiring a replenishment tank.

It is a schematic block diagram of the atomizing apparatus to which this invention is applied. It is the schematic sectional drawing of the atomizing oscillator of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other surface side of the atomizing oscillator of FIG. It is a figure which shows one surface side of the atomizing oscillator which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows one surface side of the atomizing oscillator which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows one surface side of the atomizing oscillator which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows one surface side of the atomizing oscillator which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows one surface side of the atomizing oscillator which concerns on other embodiment. It is a figure which shows one surface side of the atomizing oscillator which concerns on other embodiment. It is a figure which shows one surface side of the atomizing oscillator which concerns on other embodiment. It is a figure which shows one surface side of the atomizing oscillator which concerns on other embodiment. It is a figure which shows the change of the atomization amount with respect to the liquid level when only the center electrode is energized, and when both the center electrode and the outer peripheral electrode are energized in the atomizing oscillator according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the change of the atomization amount with respect to the liquid level when switching between a high liquid level mode and a low liquid level mode. It is a figure which shows the change of the atomization amount with respect to the liquid level in three atomization modes of a high liquid level mode, a medium liquid level mode and a low liquid level mode.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the atomizing oscillator, the atomizing unit, the atomizing device, and the driving method of the atomizing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, the atomizing apparatus provided with the atomizing oscillator and the atomizing unit of the present invention will be described as an example.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an atomizing apparatus 1 provided with an atomizing oscillator 10 according to the present embodiment. The atomizing device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a liquid storage tank 2 for storing the atomizing liquid and an atomizing unit 3 for atomizing the atomizing liquid W stored in the liquid storage tank 2. ing.

The liquid storage tank 2 is a tank for storing the atomizing liquid W, and a through hole 4 to which the atomizing oscillator 10 of the atomizing unit 3 is attached is formed in the bottom portion (bottom surface) 2A. The liquid storage tank 2 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin or a metal material. In the present embodiment, the liquid storage tank 2 is housed in an atomizing device main body (not shown), held via a predetermined support means, and is detachable from the atomizing device main body. It is preferable that the liquid storage tank 2 can continuously store the atomizing capacity for a predetermined time without replenishing the atomizing liquid W.

In the present embodiment, tap water is used as the atomizing liquid W, but the atomizing liquid W is not limited to water such as tap water, and is subject to atomization of chemicals and aromatic liquids. Any liquid may be used as long as it is.

Further, a liquid level sensor (liquid level detecting means) 5 for detecting the liquid level of the stored atomizing liquid W is provided in the liquid storage tank 2. In the present embodiment, the liquid level sensor 5 may employ any type of sensor as long as it can detect the liquid level of the atomizing liquid W in the liquid storage tank 2. Examples of the liquid level sensor 5 include a capacitance type, a weight type, an optical type, a laser type, a radio wave type, an ultrasonic type, and a float type. In the present invention, the method of the liquid level sensor is not limited to this.

The atomizing unit 3 includes an atomizing oscillator 10 and a driving unit 60 for driving the atomizing oscillator 10. First, the atomizing oscillator 10 will be described with reference to the schematic cross-sectional view of the atomizing oscillator 10 of FIG.

The atomizing vibrator 10 includes a plate-shaped piezoelectric vibrator 11 and a pair of layered electrodes 12 and 20 formed so as to sandwich the piezoelectric vibrator 11. In the present embodiment, the piezoelectric vibrator 11 has a disk shape, and the surface side (also referred to as “the other surface”) 11a of the piezoelectric vibrator 11 on the atomizing liquid W side has a circular shape. Therefore, the electrode 12 having a diameter slightly smaller than that of the piezoelectric vibrator 11 is formed by plating or the like concentrically with the piezoelectric vibrator 11. Further, on the surface (also referred to as “one surface”) 11b opposite to the atomizing liquid W, an electrode 20 having a circular shape and a diameter slightly smaller than that of the piezoelectric vibrator 11 is concentric with the piezoelectric vibrator 11. It is formed by plating or the like. Here, a disc-shaped piezoelectric vibrator is described as an example, but the piezoelectric vibrator according to the present invention is not limited to the disc shape, and there is no particular problem as long as it is a plate shape. The details of the electrode 20 will be described later.

The piezoelectric vibrator 11 is formed by polarization a piezoelectric material such as piezoelectric ceramics having a predetermined thickness in the thickness direction. Since the piezoelectric vibrator 11 contracts and expands depending on the direction of the high frequency voltage (also referred to as “high frequency drive signal”) applied via the electrodes 12 and 20, it is possible to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. it can. Examples of the piezoelectric ceramics include perovskite-type oxides such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and lead zirconate titanate niobate (PZTN), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

In the present embodiment, the atomizing oscillator 10 has the bottom of the liquid storage tank with the electrode 12 on the upper side so that the electrode 12 arranged on the other surface 11a is on the atomizing liquid W side of the liquid storage tank 2. It is fitted into the through hole 4 formed in 2A via the elastic packing 14. The elastic packing 14 is formed by forming an elastic material such as silicon rubber in an annular shape. The elastic packing 14 may be provided with an annular holding groove on the inner peripheral surface thereof for holding the piezoelectric vibrator 11 having the electrodes 12 and 20. By adopting this configuration, the piezoelectric vibrator 11 provided with the electrodes 12 and 20 is fitted into the through hole 4 formed in the bottom 2A of the liquid storage tank 2 in a state where the peripheral edge is held by the elastic packing 14. It has been.

The electrode 12 arranged on the other surface 11a of the piezoelectric vibrator 11 is a piezoelectric vibrator so that power can be supplied from one surface 11b side of the piezoelectric vibrator 11 with the elastic packing 14 attached. A connection portion 12A of a tongue piece pulled out is provided on one surface 11b side of 11. Further, the electrode 12 is formed to have a diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the piezoelectric vibrator 11 as described above, and is piezoelectric for the purpose of preventing the electrode 12 from directly contacting the atomizing liquid W. A protective layer 15 that covers the electrode 12 is formed on the other surface 11a of the vibrator 11. The protective layer 15 may be made of, for example, a metal foil such as stainless steel or titanium, or may be made of a metal protective film by plating or a coating film made of resin. Note that FIG. 3 shows the other surface 11a side of the piezoelectric vibrator 11 in the state before the protective layer 15 is formed.

Hereinafter, the first to fourth embodiments of the atomizing oscillator according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. In FIGS. 4 to 7, the diagonal lines in the drawings are attached to indicate the surface of the electrode and do not indicate the cross section of the electrode. The atomizing oscillators 10 described above will be described as atomizing oscillators 10A to 10D in the first to fourth embodiments, respectively. Further, the above-described electrodes 20 will be described as electrodes 20A to 20D in the first to fourth embodiments, respectively. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one surface 11b side of the atomizing oscillator 10A of the first embodiment.

In the atomizing vibrator 10A of the first embodiment, the electrode 20A provided on one surface 11b side of the disc-shaped piezoelectric vibrator 11 forms a circular center electrode 21 and the outer circumference of the center electrode 21. An annular outer peripheral electrode 22 arranged concentrically with the center electrode 21 is provided so as to surround the center electrode 21.

The circular center electrode 21 has a smaller diameter than the piezoelectric vibrator 11, and is provided concentrically at the center of the piezoelectric vibrator 11. Further, the annular outer peripheral electrode 22 has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the center electrode 21, and the outer diameter is substantially the same as or slightly smaller than that of the electrode 12, and is arranged concentrically with the center electrode 21. .. The center electrode 21 and the outer peripheral electrode 22 are electrically separated from each other through an annular gap portion 23.

The power supply wirings 24 and 25 are connected to the outer peripheral edges of the center electrode 21 and the outer peripheral electrode 22, respectively, and the power supply wiring 26 is connected to the connection portion 12A on the electrode 12 side. In the atomizing vibrator 10A of the first embodiment, when the open / close switch 27 is switched from ON (closed) to OFF (open) and the energization of the outer peripheral electrode 22 is stopped, the drive range of the piezoelectric vibrator 11 is changed in the radial direction. It is configured to shrink to. That is, in the atomizing vibrator 10A of the first embodiment, when the electrode 12, the center electrode 21 and the outer peripheral electrode 22 are energized, the piezoelectric vibrator covered with the center electrode 21 and the outer peripheral electrode 22 among the piezoelectric vibrators 11 Approximately the entire surface of 11 is the drive range. On the other hand, when the energization of the electrode 12 and the center electrode 21 is maintained and the energization of the outer peripheral electrode 22 is stopped, the central region of the piezoelectric vibrator 11 covered with the center electrode 21 of the piezoelectric vibrator 11 becomes the drive region. Become.

As described above, according to the atomizing vibrator 10A of the first embodiment, by controlling the energization of the outer peripheral electrode 22 by the open / close switch 27, one atomizing vibrator can change the drive range in the radial direction. It can be switched between two stages (large diameter and small diameter).

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing one surface 11b side of the atomizing oscillator 10B of the second embodiment. The atomizing oscillator 10B of the second embodiment takes into consideration the connection of the power feeding wiring connected to the electrode 20B provided on one surface 11b. Specifically, in the atomizing vibrator 10B of the second embodiment, the electrode 20B provided on one surface 11b of the piezoelectric vibrator 11 has a center electrode 31 having a circular electrode body, and the center electrode. It is provided with an annular outer peripheral electrode 32 arranged concentrically with 31.

In the center electrode 31, a connection piece 31A for connecting the power feeding wiring 33 extends radially from the electrode body to the outer edge of the piezoelectric vibrator 11. A part of the annular portion of the outer peripheral electrode 32 is cut out in the radial direction in order to electrically insulate the connection piece 31A. Even if a part of the annular portion is cut out in the radial direction as in the outer peripheral electrode 32, it is included in the outer peripheral electrode of the present invention as long as it exhibits an annular shape as a whole.

Power supply wirings 33 and 34 are connected in the vicinity of the connection piece 31A of the center electrode 31 and the notch 32A of the outer peripheral electrode 32, respectively. As described above, the atomizing oscillator 10B of the second embodiment has an advantage that the power feeding wirings 33 and 34 to the electrodes 20B provided on one surface 11b can be integrated in one place. In the atomizing oscillator 10B of the second embodiment, the same components as those of the atomizing oscillator 10A of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing one surface 11b side of the atomizing oscillator 10C of the third embodiment. The atomizing oscillator 10C of the third embodiment is configured such that the outer diameter of the center electrode 41 constituting the electrode 20C provided on one surface 11b is slightly smaller than that of the center electrode 21 of the first embodiment. Further, the first outer peripheral electrode 42 and the second outer peripheral electrode in which the annular outer peripheral electrodes arranged concentrically with the center electrode 41 are electrically separated into two in the radial direction through the annular gap 44. It is composed of 43.

Power feeding wires 45, 46, and 47 are connected to the center electrode 41, the first outer peripheral electrode 42, and the second outer peripheral electrode 43, respectively.

According to the atomizing oscillator 10C of the third embodiment, by controlling the energization of the first outer peripheral electrode 42 and the second outer peripheral electrode 43 with the open / close switches 48 and 49, one atomizing oscillator can be used. The drive range can be switched in three radial directions (large diameter, medium diameter, small diameter). In the atomizing oscillator 10C of the third embodiment, the same components as those of the atomizing oscillator 10A of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing one surface 11b side of the atomizing oscillator 10D as the fourth embodiment. The atomizing oscillator 10D of the fourth embodiment takes into consideration the connection of the power feeding wiring connected to the electrode 20D provided on one surface 11b. Specifically, in the atomizing vibrator 10D of the fourth embodiment, the electrodes 20D provided on one surface 11b of the piezoelectric vibrator 11 are a center electrode 51 having a circular electrode body and the center electrode. A first outer peripheral electrode 52 and a second outer peripheral electrode 53 arranged concentrically with the 51 are provided.

In the center electrode 51, a connection piece 51A for connecting the power feeding wiring 54 extends radially from the electrode body to the outer edge of the piezoelectric vibrator 11. The first outer peripheral electrode 52 includes a notch 52B in which a part of the annular portion is cut out in the radial direction in order to electrically insulate the connection piece 51A. Further, in order to electrically insulate the second outer peripheral electrode 53 from the connection piece 52A described later, a part of the annular portion is cut out in the radial direction with a width larger than that of the cutout portion 52B of the first outer peripheral electrode 52. It is provided with a notch 53A. Even if a part of the annular portion is cut out in the radial direction as in the first outer peripheral electrode 52 and the second outer peripheral electrode 53, if the annular portion as a whole exhibits an annular shape, the outer circumference of the annular portion of the present invention is formed. Included in the electrodes.

At the end of the notch 52B of the first outer peripheral electrode 52, a connection piece 52A for connecting the power feeding wiring 55 extends radially to the outer edge of the piezoelectric vibrator 11. Power feeding wires 54, 55, and 56 are connected in the vicinity of the connection piece 51A of the center electrode 51, the connection piece 52A of the first outer peripheral electrode 52, and the notch 53A of the second outer peripheral electrode 53, respectively.

As described above, according to the atomizing oscillator 10D of the fourth embodiment, there is an advantage that the power supply wirings 54, 55, 56 to the electrode 20D provided on one surface 11b can be integrated in one place. is there. In the atomizing oscillator 10D of the fourth embodiment, the same components as those of the atomizing oscillator 10C of the third embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the center of the center electrode is provided at the center of the piezoelectric vibrator 11, but the center of the center electrode does not necessarily have to coincide with the center of the piezoelectric vibrator 11. It suffices that the outer peripheral electrode is electrically separated from the center electrode and surrounds the center electrode. That is, the center of the center electrode is arranged eccentrically with respect to the in-plane center of the piezoelectric vibrator, and by arranging the outer peripheral electrode so as to surround the outer circumference of the center electrode, the piezoelectric vibrator accompanies the eccentricity of the center electrode. It may be eccentric with respect to the in-plane center of.

8 to 11 show an example in which the center electrode and the outer peripheral electrode are arranged eccentrically. In the center electrode and the outer peripheral electrode shown in each figure, the center electrode 31 and the outer peripheral electrode 32 of the atomizing vibrator 10B of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5 are in-plane of one surface 11b of the piezoelectric vibrator 11. It is eccentric with respect to the center P1. Specifically, FIG. 8 shows that the center P2 of the center electrode 31 is 3% in the direction in which the connection piece 31A is formed from the in-plane center P1 of the piezoelectric vibrator 11 when the diameter of the outer peripheral electrode 32 is 100%. Indicates an eccentric one. Similarly, FIG. 9 shows the center P2 of the center electrode 31 eccentric by 3% opposite to the direction in which the connecting piece 31A is formed, and FIG. 10 shows the direction in which the center P2 of the center electrode 31 is formed in the direction in which the connecting piece 31A is formed. FIG. 11 shows a case in which the center P2 of the center electrode 31 is maximally eccentric in the direction opposite to the direction in which the connecting piece 31A is formed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, one or two outer peripheral electrodes are provided, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the outer peripheral electrode is composed of the first outer peripheral electrode to the nth outer peripheral electrode (an integer of n ≧ 2) arranged in order from the center electrode side, and the first outer peripheral electrode to the nth outer peripheral electrode are arranged in the same plane. It may be spaced apart so as to surround the outer peripheral electrodes located adjacent to the inside. As a result, each electrode constituting the outer peripheral electrode is sequentially surrounded by a layer on the outer circumference of the center electrode.

In any case, the outer diameter of the nth outer peripheral electrode (outer peripheral electrode 22, 32, 43, 53) located on the outermost side is the outer diameter of the electrode 12 provided on the other surface 11a of the piezoelectric vibrator 11. It is preferably equal to or less than the diameter.

Further, in each embodiment, the distance between the center electrode and the outer peripheral electrode and the distance between the outer peripheral electrodes are not particularly limited as long as they can be electrically insulated, but a piezoelectric effect is generated in the piezoelectric vibrator 11. From the point of view of making the interval narrower, it is preferable.

Next, the atomization unit 3 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The atomizing unit 3 includes an atomizing oscillator 10 and a driving unit 60 for driving the atomizing oscillator 10. The drive unit 60 outputs a high-frequency drive signal to the electrodes 12 and 20 of the atomizing oscillator 10, and is a switch unit 8 having a control unit 6, a high-frequency oscillator unit 7, and an open / close switch 27 (48, 49). And have.

A liquid level sensor 5 is connected to the control unit 6, and based on the output from the liquid level sensor 5, the open / close switches 27 (48, 49) of the switch unit 8 are "closed (ON)" and "open (OFF)". A command signal for switching is output to the switch unit 8.

The high frequency oscillator 7 is connected to an external power source (for example, a commercial power source of 50 Hz) (not shown), generates a high frequency drive signal from the external power source, and outputs the high frequency drive signal to the electrodes 12 and 20 of the atomizing oscillator 10.

In the switch unit 8, the open / close switch 27 (48, 49) is switched to either “closed (ON)” or “open (OFF)” based on the command signal from the control unit 6. In the case of the atomization unit 3 using the atomization oscillator 10A of the first embodiment and the atomization oscillator 10B of the second embodiment described above, when the open / close switch 27 is “open (OFF)”, a high frequency is generated. The high frequency drive signal output from the oscillating unit 7 is supplied only to the center electrode 21 or the center electrode 31. In the case of the atomization unit 3 using the atomization oscillator 10C of the third embodiment and the atomization oscillator 10D of the fourth embodiment described above, when the open / close switches 48 and 49 are "open (OFF)", The high-frequency drive signal output from the high-frequency oscillator 7 is supplied only to the center electrode 41 or 51. When only the open / close switch 49 is “open (OFF)”, the high-frequency drive signal output from the high-frequency oscillator 7 is supplied only to the center electrode 41 or 51 and the first outer peripheral electrode 42 or 52. In FIG. 1, the power supply wiring from the high-frequency oscillator 7 to the electrode 12 of the atomizing oscillator 10 is not shown.

The amount of atomization of the atomizing liquid W by the atomizing vibrator 10 depends on the distance from the other surface 11a of the piezoelectric vibrator 11 to the liquid level of the atomizing liquid W, that is, the liquid level of the liquid storage tank 2. fluctuate. FIG. 12 shows changes in the amount of atomization with respect to the liquid level when only the center electrode 21 is energized and when both the center electrode 21 and the outer peripheral electrode 22 are energized in the atomizing oscillator 10A of the first embodiment. .. In FIG. 12, the broken line shows the case where only the center electrode 21 is energized, and the solid line shows the case where both the center electrode 21 and the outer peripheral electrode 22 are energized.

From FIG. 12, it can be seen that in the atomizing oscillator 10, the liquid level showing the peak of the atomization amount differs depending on the diameter of the electrode to be energized. When the atomizing transducer 10 energizes both the center electrode 21 and the outer peripheral electrode 22 (the diameter of the electrode to be energized is large), the amount of atomization peaks at a relatively high liquid level, and only the center electrode 21 is energized. (The diameter of the electrode to be energized is small), the amount of atomization peaks at a relatively low liquid level. Further, the amount of atomization when both the center electrode 21 and the outer peripheral electrode 22 are energized and the amount of atomization when only the center electrode 21 is energized are reversed at the liquid level L (for example, 50 mm).

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the liquid level L (for example, 50 mm) of the liquid storage tank 2 is set as a threshold value, and the control unit 6 moves to the electrode 20A of the atomizing oscillator 10 based on the output from the liquid level sensor 5. The energization of the is switched step by step. Specifically, the control unit 6 stops energization of the outer peripheral electrode 22 when the liquid level of the liquid storage tank 2 reaches the threshold value L due to atomization based on the output from the liquid level sensor 5. ..

Next, an embodiment of the atomizing apparatus 1 using the atomizing oscillator 10A of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the atomization mode when the liquid level of the liquid storage tank 2 detected by the liquid level sensor 5 exceeds the threshold value L is set to "high liquid level mode", and the liquid in the liquid storage tank 2 is set. The atomization mode when the position becomes the threshold value L or less is defined as the “low liquid level mode”. The switching of the atomization mode is performed by the control unit 6 based on the output from the liquid level sensor 5.

In the "high liquid level mode", the control unit 6 sets the open / close switch 27 of the switch unit 8 to the "closed (ON)" state based on the output from the liquid level sensor 5. The high frequency oscillator 7 outputs a high frequency drive signal to both the center electrode 21 and the outer peripheral electrode 22 via the switch unit 8. As a result, the atomizing oscillator 10A can perform suitable atomization according to the high liquid level.

When the atomizing liquid W is consumed along with the atomization and the liquid level of the atomizing liquid W in the liquid storage tank 2 drops to reach the threshold value L, atomization is performed based on the output from the liquid level sensor 5. The mode is switched from "high liquid level mode" to "low liquid level mode".

In the "low liquid level mode", the control unit 6 sets the open / close switch 27 of the switch unit 8 to the "open (OFF)" state based on the output from the liquid level sensor 5. The high frequency oscillator 7 outputs a high frequency drive signal only to the center electrode 21 via the switch unit 8. As a result, the atomizing oscillator 10A can perform suitable atomization according to the low liquid level. In the "low liquid level mode", when the liquid W for atomization is replenished and the liquid level of the liquid storage tank 2 exceeds the threshold value L, the mode is switched to the "high liquid level mode" and the high frequency oscillator 7 Outputs a high-frequency drive signal to both the center electrode 21 and the outer peripheral electrode 22 via the switch unit 8.

As described above, according to the atomizing device 1 of the present embodiment, when the liquid level of the liquid storage tank 2 becomes equal to or lower than the threshold value L, the energization of the outer peripheral electrode 22 is stopped and only the center electrode 21 is stopped. Therefore, suitable atomization can be realized according to the liquid level. Therefore, even if the liquid level of the liquid storage tank 2 drops significantly due to atomization, the decrease in the amount of atomization can be suppressed within a certain range, and stable atomization can be realized without the need for a refill tank. it can.

In the above-described embodiment, two atomization modes, "high liquid level mode" and "low liquid level mode", are set, and the electrode diameter energized by one atomization oscillator is divided into two stages according to the liquid level. By switching, atomization according to the liquid level is realized. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing changes in the amount of atomization with respect to the liquid level in the three atomization modes of “high liquid level mode”, “medium liquid level mode” and “low liquid level mode”. When an atomizing oscillator 10C (10D) including two outer peripheral electrodes of the first outer peripheral electrode 42 (52) and the second outer peripheral electrode 43 (53) is used as in the third (fourth) embodiment. Can set three atomization modes, "high liquid level mode", "medium liquid level mode" and "low liquid level mode".

In the "high liquid level mode", the center electrode 41 (51), the first outer peripheral electrode 42 (52) and the second outer peripheral electrode 43 (53) are energized. In the "medium liquid level mode", the energization of the second outer peripheral electrode 43 (53) is stopped, and the central electrode 41 (51) and the first outer peripheral electrode 42 (52) are energized. In the "low liquid level mode", the energization of the first outer peripheral electrode 42 (52) and the second outer peripheral electrode 43 (53) is stopped, and only the center electrode 41 (51) is energized.

Then, when the liquid level of the liquid storage tank 2 reaches the first threshold value L1, the "high liquid level mode" is switched to the "medium liquid level mode", and the liquid level of the liquid storage tank 2 becomes the first threshold value. When the second threshold value L2, which is lower than the value, is reached, the "medium liquid level mode" is switched to the "low liquid level mode". In this embodiment, the switch unit 8 is composed of two switches, open / close switches 48 and 49, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

According to this embodiment, as is clear from FIG. 14, suitable atomization can be realized according to each liquid level.

The method for driving the atomizing oscillator, the atomizing unit, the atomizing device, and the atomizing device according to the present invention is not limited to the atomizing device without the auxiliary tank, and is used for the atomizing device provided with the auxiliary tank. May be good. According to the present invention, in the atomizing device provided with the auxiliary tank, after the auxiliary tank is emptied, suitable atomization can be realized according to the liquid level of the liquid storage tank.

Since the atomizing oscillator according to the present invention can realize suitable atomization according to the liquid level of the liquid storage tank, the atomization device is not provided with a replenishment tank for keeping the liquid level of the liquid storage tank constant. Is especially useful in.

W Liquid for atomization 1 Atomizer 2 Liquid storage tank 2A Bottom surface 3 Atomization unit 5 Liquid level sensor (liquid level detection means)
6 Control unit 7 High-frequency oscillator unit 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D Atomizing oscillator 11 Piezoelectric oscillator 11a Other surface 11b One surface 12 Electrode (other surface side)
12A connection part 20, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D electrode (one side)
21 Center electrode (first embodiment)
22 Outer peripheral electrode (first embodiment)
23, 44 Gap 24, 25, 26, 33, 34, 45, 46, 47, 54, 55, 56 Power supply wiring 27, 48, 49 Open / close switch 31 Center electrode (second embodiment)
31A, 51A, 52A connection piece 32 outer peripheral electrode (second embodiment)
32A, 52B, 53A Notch 41 Center electrode (3rd embodiment)
42 First outer peripheral electrode (third embodiment)
43 Second outer peripheral electrode (third embodiment)
51 Center electrode (4th embodiment)
52 First outer peripheral electrode (fourth embodiment)
53 Second outer peripheral electrode (fourth embodiment)
60 Drive unit

Claims (13)

An atomizing oscillator including a plate-shaped piezoelectric vibrator and electrodes provided on one surface and the other surface of the piezoelectric vibrator.
An electrode provided on the one surface of the piezoelectric vibrator surrounds the center electrode arranged in the central portion of the piezoelectric vibrator and the outer periphery of the center electrode, and is electrically separated from the center electrode. An atomizing transducer characterized by having an annular outer peripheral electrode. The atomizing oscillator according to claim 1, wherein the outer peripheral electrode is electrically separated into at least two or more annular electrodes via an annular gap. It is an atomizing oscillator provided with a disk-shaped piezoelectric vibrator and circular electrodes provided on one surface and the other surface of the piezoelectric vibrator.
The electrodes provided on the one surface of the piezoelectric vibrator were arranged concentrically with the center electrode arranged in the central portion of the piezoelectric vibrator and electrically separated from the center electrode. An atomizing oscillator characterized by having an annular outer peripheral electrode. The atomization according to claim 3, wherein the outer peripheral electrodes are electrically separated into at least two or more annular electrodes through concentric annular gaps. Oscillator. An atomizing oscillator including a plate-shaped piezoelectric vibrator and electrodes provided on one surface and the other surface of the piezoelectric vibrator.
The electrodes provided on the one surface of the piezoelectric vibrator surround the center electrode arranged eccentrically with respect to the center in the one surface of the piezoelectric vibrator and the outer periphery of the center electrode, and the center. An atomizing transducer characterized by having an annular outer peripheral electrode arranged electrically separated from the electrode. The atomizing vibrator according to claim 5, wherein the piezoelectric vibrator has a disk shape. The fifth or sixth aspect of the present invention, wherein the outer peripheral electrodes are electrically separated into at least two or more electrodes that sequentially surround the outer periphery of the center electrode in a layered manner via a gap. Atomizer for atomization. The atomizing oscillator according to any one of claims 1, 3, 5, and 6.
A drive unit for driving the atomizing oscillator is provided.
The drive unit includes a switch unit that turns on / off the energization of the outer peripheral electrode.
An atomization unit including a control unit for switching ON / OFF of the switch unit based on an output signal from a liquid level detecting means for detecting the liquid level of the liquid storage tank. The atomizing oscillator according to any one of claims 2, 4 or 7.
A drive unit for driving the atomizing oscillator is provided.
The drive unit is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of outer peripheral electrodes, and includes a switch unit that turns on / off the energization of the corresponding outer peripheral electrodes.
An atomization unit including a control unit for switching ON / OFF of the switch unit based on an output signal from a liquid level detecting means for detecting the liquid level of the liquid storage tank. The atomizing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a liquid storage tank for storing the liquid for atomization, and a liquid level detecting means for detecting the liquid level of the liquid storage tank.
The atomizing oscillator is installed at the bottom of the liquid storage tank.
The control unit switches the switch unit from ON to OFF when the liquid level of the liquid storage tank drops to a predetermined value based on an output signal from the liquid level detecting means. apparatus. The atomizing device according to claim 9, further comprising a liquid storage tank for storing the liquid for atomization, and a liquid level detecting means for detecting the liquid level of the liquid storage tank.
The atomizing oscillator is installed at the bottom of the liquid storage tank.
Based on the output signal from the liquid level detecting means, the control unit steps the outer peripheral electrode, which switches the switch unit from ON to OFF, toward the central portion as the liquid level in the liquid storage tank decreases. An atomizer characterized by increasing the number of elements. The atomizing oscillator according to any one of claims 1, 3, 5, and 6, is an atomizing apparatus installed at the bottom of a liquid storage tank for storing an atomizing liquid. It ’s a driving method,
A method for driving an atomizer, which comprises stopping energization of the outer peripheral electrode when the liquid level in the liquid storage tank drops to a predetermined value. The atomizing oscillator according to any one of claims 2, 4 or 7, is a method for driving an atomizing device installed at the bottom of a liquid storage tank for storing the atomizing liquid. hand,
A method for driving an atomizer, which comprises gradually increasing the outer peripheral electrodes at which energization is stopped toward the central portion as the liquid level in the liquid storage tank decreases.

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